A Birmingham takeaway owner has been fined after a customer suffered food poisoning that was allegedly linked to a burger purchased from the establishment. Zulfiqar Ali pleaded guilty to three charges relating to food safety and information regulations between May and September 2025, and also admitted three similar charges on behalf of Al-Shazan Ltd, located on Stratford Road.
Court Hearing Details
During a hearing at Birmingham Magistrates Court on Thursday, June 4, it was revealed that a customer entered the premises and ordered a chicken burger. The individual was subsequently taken to hospital and kept overnight after an infection was confirmed.
A solicitor representing the eatery argued that it was never proven that the illness was caused by food from Al-Shazan. However, Remus Cozma, prosecuting on behalf of Birmingham City Council, stated that environmental health officers visited the takeaway on April 8, 2025, and observed several failings. These included meat being stored below recommended temperatures, cooked meat stored next to raw meat posing a cross-contamination risk, and raw meat being handled without gloves or proper hand-washing.
Hygiene Violations
Ali, the director of the business, was also unable to provide accurate information on ingredients and allergens contained in menu items. A schedule of works was drawn up to address the deficiencies, but further inspections revealed that documentation and food allergy information were still not being produced correctly.
Mr. Cozma remarked: “Despite repeated opportunities to comply, he failed to do so. There had been ongoing communications. But despite all of this, the failures continued until September 2025. There has been a clear, flagrant disregard of the law.”
Al-Shazan currently holds the lowest food hygiene rating of 1, which was assigned after an inspection in July 2024.
Defense Arguments
Sukhdip Randhawa, defending, noted that no evidence had been provided to confirm that the food allegedly causing hospitalization was tested and traced back to the takeaway. He added that the company had employed an independent auditor to conduct inspections and remedy the highlighted issues, and that procedures had been overhauled. Subsequent inspections showed no further cross-contamination problems.
Mr. Randhawa stated that information on ingredients and allergens was being kept, but it was accepted that it was not provided at the time the issues arose. He also mentioned a recent inspection and that they were awaiting confirmation of a reclassification of their food hygiene rating.
He said: “There is clear evidence that rather than ignoring concerns, the business was proactive in undertaking change. Issues were resolved and the business still is trading. You have cases before the courts where premises are closed because of an imminent risk to health. This is not one of those cases. There was not even a suggestion they voluntarily close the premises down. There is no previous convictions. This is the first time they have come to the court for anything at all. The shop is not making money and it is his desire to sell the shop.”
Penalties Imposed
Magistrates fined both Ali and the business £1,000 each, with both also required to pay £400 surcharges. Additionally, a total of £1,500 in costs must be paid.
